Working from the Ground Up - Apprenticeships in Plumbing and Roofing

For centuries, buildings have stood as the collective homes of the people. So it is no surprise that constructing a building requires the team effort of so many skilled tradespeople. In order to ensure that these structures endure all kinds of outside weather, while being clean and sanitary on the inside, it is crucial that those we entrust to build and maintain our buildings have the best possible training. Two of these important team players are the plumber and the roofer, and both professions benefit greatly from apprenticeship programs.

If you are interested in a career as a plumber or roofer, more is involved than just sending out a bill. Entering the plumbing or roofing trades means entering the world of providing a valuable service that keeps people safe from the elements and maintains a level of health and sanitation. That is why you should choose a school with an apprenticeship program as part of the training. By learning the basics from professional instructors and then being given the opportunity to put that knowledge to use, you won’t just be getting an optimal education, but the immediate satisfaction of contributing your learned skill to these important industries.

Obtaining a certificate doing a plumber apprenticeship will give you just as much hands-on experience as classroom learning. When looking into programs, find out if you must first be registered as an apprentice in the plumbing trade. Once you’ve registered and enrolled in a program, get ready for a wide variety of lessons and training in the following areas:

• The proper usage and safety procedures for  power tools and piping materials
• Learning how to read blueprints and make plans for pipe layout and supports
• Understanding how to follow building codes for different kinds of projects
• Installing, maintaining and repairing water systems for drinking water, wastewater, and hot water
• Installing, maintaining and repairing hot water tanks and heating systems
• Learning the legalities of construction codes and regulations

Waterproofing and weatherproofing our homes and buildings is just as important as managing the flow of water and waste throughout. Similar to a plumbing training program is that of a roofer apprenticeship program. Once registered as an apprentice in the roofing trade, the course work and apprenticeship training will teach you the following skills:

• A thorough knowledge of construction materials, roofing and waterproofing products
• Understanding different building types and different roofing options
• Following plans, specifications and building codes
• Becoming familiar with roofing membranes, asphalt and fiberglass shingles, bituminous felts and papers, insulation, sheathing, sheet metals and caulking
• Learn how to waterproof and damp-proof buildings of all types
• Workplace safety

You can’t learn to swim by reading a book about swimming. Likewise, we would not want our buildings’ plumbing and roofing managed by individuals with nothing more than an educational background. An apprenticeship program in these fields will give you the confidence to do great work, and give us the confidence to know our homes and offices are safe, clean, and greatly maintained.  

Visit Mohawk College for more information on apprenticeship programs.